First Word

Did you know that whether you’re an author or business professional that you are the “storyteller” of your product or service? Yes, it’s a unique way of looking at it, but you are the person charged with either the oral or written history – whether it be a book or a widget. As Chief Storyteller your job is to inform the world about your product and share it. When you consider it as a “story” vs. “marketing” it puts it in a whole new light, doesn’t it? Marketing and public relations is about spreading the “message” about your product. What “story” are you trying to tell the world? It’s like you’re the oral tradition of your company and it’s being passed down only it’s not to your ancestors it’s to the masses. Your job is to craft a story that is: 1.     Targeted to the right audience and what they want to know about or hear. 2.     It’s compelling and demonstrates the benefits and value. 3.     Most of all it’s ...

I had a conversation with a client this morning. As we were exploring the book publishing process, she mentioned her desire to build credibility within her industry. I asserted, "If nothing else a book will definitely build credibility." Another friend of mine I said, "Imagine giving a prospective employer your resume and your book... who do you think they're going to be more impressed with? The guy with JUST the resume or you?" Books definitely build desired credibility. People are generally impressed that you had not only the knowledge and expertise, but also the discipline and skill to sit down and write a book. We all have a story to tell, but can you tell that story in a captivating and interesting way? And one thing that our company can do is help just about anyone get the book out of their heads and onto paper. While we can never promise how a marketplace will respond to a book, we do promise these benefits (as they are assured): Credibility as an e...

Nothing can enhance your credibility and promote your business better than a book. A book is 10 times better than a brochure -- and depending on who creates your brochure and whether it's full color or not, a brochure can actually cost more money. Yes, I have had some business owners show me brochures that cost them $10 a copy just to print it up. A book can cost anywhere between $2-$3 a copy. Here are three reasons you should write a book about your area of expertise in business: Credibility = Expertise = Speaking Gigs The fact that you wrote a book makes you an expert. "An expert?" you cry. Yes, a book makes you an instant expert. You knew enough to write the book, right? Well, what do experts get asked to do? Share their expertise with others. You will automatically get asked to speak to groups about your book. Speaking Gigs = Exposure = Opportunities When you get up in front of a room to speak, what happens? People focus on you. They learn more about you and you...

Business slows due to summer vacations and absent colleagues? Most of the time I vacation in July and December, because these are the slowest sales months of the year. This year, though, I changed up the game plan. If you're facing slow sales growth, time to get out on and meet and greet. I am always surprised by people who complain about slow sales or tell me they need to grow their sales yet when I encourage them to network, they have dozens of reasons why not. The real reason usually comes down to, "I am not motivated enough to do something that makes me uncomfortable." The real scoop is if you're not uncomfortable that means you're probably not growing and going for the big time. You can stay in the comfort zone to succeed. You have to push boundaries and you have to try new things. Last week, I was really concerned about our slowed sales so what did I do? I got my behind out of the office and went to a networking meeting, which was free by the way. I met some...